Collections Strategy Librarian 202226

Responsibilities: The University of Ottawa Library seeks an innovative, motivated and service-oriented Collections Strategy Librarian. The successful candidate will be a creative individual who works well with other colleagues in a challenging and changing environment.

Setting: Located on the ancestral land of the Algonquin people in the heart of the National Capital, the University of Ottawa is recognized as one of Canada’s leading teaching and research institutions.  With 1,200 regular faculty and 40,000 students enrolled in over 360 programs, the University of Ottawa offers a broad spectrum of high quality programs in both English and French.  For more information, see: http://www.uottawa.ca .

Description:  Reporting to the Head, Collections Strategy, the incumbent works in a team environment, participating in group decision making and planning for the strategic development, management, and evaluation of the University of Ottawa’s collections across all subject areas and formats. The incumbent contributes to policy development related to collections to ensure that the university community has access to world-class scholarly content and collections, and actively identifies new modes of scholarly communication in support of this goal. These activities are informed by a deep understanding of the current information needs of Library users, how access to information resources is likely to change in the future, and knowledge of how users interact with Library resources.

The Collections Strategy Librarian assesses, evaluates, and analyzes the Library collection, using quantitative and qualitative data, to develop an informed understanding of collection needs within the University of Ottawa community and to support evidence-based decision making. This work may include managing large data sets across various systems. The Collections Strategy Librarian has a strong understanding of the shared collections landscape and facilitates the University of Ottawa’s participation in shared initiatives by contributing to large scale collection development and analysis; identifying gaps and overlaps in our collection in conjunction with other libraries and initiatives. The incumbent participates in a variety of projects, which may include, but are not limited to, collection maintenance, evaluations of major in-kind donations, annual subscription reviews, weeding projects, and the development and maintenance of approval plans.  

The Collections Strategy Librarian assesses new licensing models, stays up-to-date on new practices and trends in content acquisition, and works with vendors to negotiate content licensing as appropriate. The incumbent participates in evaluating and determining the best method of acquisition for specific types of content. They ensure fiscal responsibility by spending budgeted amounts in assigned areas in a timely and appropriate manner.

The Librarian actively participates in and/or leads Library collaborative activities. The incumbent is a participative member of an evolving organization that emphasizes service quality, innovation, outreach, and partnership within the Library, and across campus.

Essential qualifications:

1. A Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies (MLIS) from an ALA accredited institution or equivalent.
2. At least 2 years of professional experience, or fewer if the experience is particularly pertinent to the position.
3. Effective oral and written communication skills in both French and English.
4. Knowledge of collection development practices and trends, e.g. licensing models, budget management, collection assessment, and consortial collection strategies. 
5. Knowledge of the scholarly communications and publishing landscape, and its relationship to collections strategy.
6. Knowledge of library collections in relation to the academic mission of the university, and knowledge of the diverse purposes for which the collection is used.
7. Possess advanced skills to use a variety of collection development related tools and software to conduct large scale collections assessment and analysis using various data sets.
8. Ability to develop strategies for analysis of collections data across various systems in order to support data-driven and evidence-based collections assessment and analysis activities.  
9. Demonstrated aptitude for reading, analyzing, and understanding data in a variety of formats. 
10. Ability to work on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires in-depth evaluation of variable factors.
11. Ability to work in a collaborative, team-based environment.
12. Adaptable, flexible, and able to adjust to a changing environment.
13. Problem solving and decision making skills.
14. Capacity to identify areas of opportunity and to develop and implement innovative solutions to respond to them.

Rank and the salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.  

This position is part of the APUO bargaining unit (faculty, librarians, counsellors, and language teachers).

Posting no.: 20032-LIB

Applicants are requested to submit a curriculum vitae and cover letter, with their name in the document title. Internal candidates will be considered first; application should be submitted no later than Friday, July 24, 2020, at 4 pm.

Ms. Talia Chung
University Librarian and Vice-Provost (Knowledge Systems)
University of Ottawa Library
65 University Private
Ottawa, ON
K1N 6N5
Email: biblio@uOttawa.ca

The University of Ottawa Library thanks all those who apply.  Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The University of Ottawa is committed to ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion in the scholarly and leadership environments of our students, staff, and faculty. Accordingly, we strongly encourage applications from, Indigenous persons, racialized persons (visible minorities), persons with disabilities, women, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse and inclusive communities. Candidates who wish to be considered as a member of one or more designated groups are asked to complete the confidential Self-Identification Questionnaire, to be completed at the time of application. Please take note of this posting number. This questionnaire can be found online.

According to government policy, all qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada. 

The University of Ottawa provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you are invited to proceed in the selection process, please notify us of any accommodations that you require by contacting the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations at 613-562-5958. Any information you send us will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

The University of Ottawa is proud of its 160-year tradition of bilingualism. Through its Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, the University provides training to staff members and to their spouses in their second official language. At the time of tenure, professors are expected to have the ability to function in a bilingual setting.

Notice of Collection of Personal Information

In accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Ontario) and with University Policy 90, your personal information is collected under the authority of the University of Ottawa Act, 1965 and is intended to be used for the purpose of and those consistent with your employment application and the administration of your employment relationship, if established. If you have any questions regarding this collection of personal information, please contact Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations at (613) 562-5958 or by email at vra.affairesprofessorales@uottawa.ca

Bibliothécaire, Stratégie des collections à la Bibliothèque de l’Université d’Ottawa